Associate of Digital Arts - Design & Graphic Technology (101117)

Creative design professionals combine artistic abilities with technical knowledge to create designs used in print and electronic media. During their studies, students will create, maintain and present a professional portfolio showcasing their finest work. As a graduate of the Design and Graphic Technology program, they are positioned for a variety of careers including graphic designer, advertising specialist, digital print technician, publication designer, public relations professional, pre-press technician and web graphic designer. A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas: Desktop Publisher: produces professional publications using electronic publishing software, scans graphic images, places text and graphics files onto the page, and operates output devices. Graphic Designer: develops advertising concepts and prepares art for the final presentations. Advertising Assistant: works with the ad director or store manager to plan and prepare advertising for print, radio, and TV use. Commercial Art Worker: prepares artwork and copy to be used in label production, package design, printed materials; prepares process separations; preflights electronic files; manages color control; and manages fonts. Digital Print Technician: prepares computer files for variable data printing or produce print on demand applications. Layout Designer: designs basic plans for print advertising, passes on work to a commercial artist or copywriter, and is responsible for final electronic files. Printing Support Worker/Customer Service Representative: handles electronic and pre-press operations, making color separations, electronic scanning, image editing, and color proofing. Public Relations Assistant: assists in public relations activities helping to produce brochures, press releases, displays, and newsletters; organizes and prepares materials for use in presentations. Pre-Press Technician: prepares computer documents for printing; trapping, font usage, picture usage, color management, clipping paths, and placing high and low resolution graphics into document. Website Designer: builds graphic elements for functional websites. Program Outcomes: Apply the principles of design to develop strategic marketing and communication products and services. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of design software, tools and technology. Implement creative solutions from concept through completion using a formal process. Apply effective legal and ethical business practices and project management skills. Communicate artwork rationale in formal and informal settings.